The final report from the Blueprint for Youth Justice Taskforce shows steady progress is being made as the ACT Government works to improve outcomes for children, young people and families involved in the youth justice system.
The Taskforce was established in 2017 to review progress on the Blueprint for Youth Justice in the ACT 2012-2022 (the Blueprint), the ACT Government's framework for reform in the youth justice system.
Released today, the final report shows that an increased focus on early support, prevention and diversion of young people from the youth justice system is delivering results.
Since 2011- 2012, the number of young people under youth justice supervision has decreased by 27%. The number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people under youth justice supervision has decreased by 33%.
While these numbers are positive, we know there is more work to be done. The over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people remains a critical focus for the government, as does delivering trauma-informed supports and services for young people and their families
The report makes recommendations across ten focus areas to inform the future direction of the ACT youth justice system. These recommendations identify existing initiatives to be built on and address a number of new and emerging challenges.
As we move into the final four years of the Blueprint, it is important we continue to provide support services to ensure children, young people and families are safe, strong and connected.
The Taskforce included representatives from key community groups, organisations and government agencies, and was co-chaired by Jodie Griffiths-Cook, the Public Advocate and Children and Young People Commissioner and Dr Mark Collis, former Executive Director, Children, Youth and Families in the Community Services Directorate. I thank all Taskforce members for their work and commitment to this process.
A copy of the Final Blueprint for Youth Justice Taskforce Report can be found here: www.communityservices.act.gov.au/youth/the_blueprint_for_youth_justice_in_the_act
